SAS Spectrum Sharing Signaling for 4G/LTE and 5G/NR Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fixed-width spectrum allocations in radio frequency networks lead to inefficient utilization, resulting in some networks being under-loaded or over-loaded, as channel bandwidths are not allocated based on load or expected usage, and dynamic spectrum sharing operations can be hindered by incompatible spectrum allocations between different network configurations.
Innovation Solution
A network operator indicates its spectrum preferences and expected operations to a Spectrum Access System (SAS) entity, allowing the SAS to allocate spectrum portions compatible with both 4G/LTE and 5G/NR networks, using a third raster alignment that accommodates both configurations, thereby enabling efficient dynamic spectrum sharing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If fixed-width spectrum allocations are used, then spectrum allocation is simple, but spectrum utilization efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic spectrum allocation where the SAS entity adjusts channel bandwidths based on real-time network load conditions. Instead of fixed allocations, the system dynamically modifies spectrum assignments to match actual demand, thereby improving utilization efficiency while maintaining manageable complexity through automated control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of channel bandwidth dynamically. The SAS entity modifies the allocated bandwidth portion based on network load conditions, allowing the spectrum allocation to adapt from fixed to variable widths. This parameter change enables efficient utilization by assigning larger bandwidths when needed and reducing them when demand is low.
2Device complexity
If fixed-width spectrum allocations are used, then allocation management is simple, but network load balance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where network operators provide load information to the SAS entity. The SAS entity uses this feedback to adjust spectrum allocations, creating a closed-loop system that continuously monitors and responds to network conditions to maintain load balance across different operators.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by having operators indicate their expected operations and spectrum preferences before actual allocation occurs. This advance information allows the SAS entity to pre-configure appropriate bandwidth allocations, ensuring better load distribution is prepared in advance rather than reacting after imbalances occur.
3Productivity
If dynamic spectrum sharing is implemented, then spectrum utilization efficiency is improved, but system complexity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a Spectrum Access System (SAS) entity as an intermediary between network operators and the spectrum resources. This mediator handles the complexity of dynamic allocation, raster alignment, and coordination, allowing operators to simply indicate their needs while the SAS manages the intricate details of efficient spectrum sharing.
Solution Approach 2:
The SAS entity performs multiple functions including spectrum allocation, load balancing, raster alignment coordination, and operator preference management. By consolidating these diverse functions into a single multi-functional system, the patent manages the overall complexity through centralized coordination rather than requiring each operator to handle individual complexity aspects.
4Reliability
If spectrum allocations are made for specific network types, then network compatibility is ensured, but flexibility for dynamic sharing deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the spectrum allocation dynamic by allowing operators to indicate whether they need dedicated channels or shared channels. The system then adapts the allocation accordingly, providing flexibility while maintaining compatibility. The same allocation mechanism can serve different network types and sharing requirements without requiring separate dedicated systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the allocation parameter based on operator needs. When operators indicate their network type and sharing preferences, the SAS entity adjusts the channel bandwidth and allocation parameters to match those requirements. This parameter adaptation allows the system to maintain compatibility for specific network types while preserving flexibility for dynamic sharing when operators choose shared channels.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for indicating to a spectrum access system communication preferences of a base station and/or of a network operator. Different methods may be used to indicate the communication preferences, including a dedicated type parameter transmitted with spectrum allocation requests from the base station, a rule-based system where the spectrum access system accesses communication preferences of the base station and/or network operator through an identifier corresponding to a rule definition, or the like. The spectrum access system may assign a channel to the network operator based on its communication preferences, such as to determine a channel assignment to correspond to a channel aligned with a raster of communications to be used by the network operator.